LATIN BLOG #10 includes the terms:  E PLURIBUS UNUM; IN EXTREMIS; EX TEMPORE

1. E PLURIBUS UNUM

Out of many, one (motto of the U.S., appearing on most U.S. currency and on the Great Seal of the United States).

The traditionally understood meaning of the phrase was that out of many states (or colonies) emerges a single nation. However, in recent years its meaning has come to suggest that out of many peoples, races, religions, languages, and ancestries has emerged a single people and nation—illustrating the concept of the U.S. serving as a melting pot.

2. IN EXTREMIS (adverb)

In extremis is a Latin phrase that literally means “in the farthest reaches”. Common usage meanings include:

In extreme circumstances
In a very difficult situation
At the point of death (medical meaning)

3. EX TEMPORE

(i) Adverb

On the spur of the moment; without premeditation or preparation; offhand.

For example,  “questions were permitted  ex tempore from the audience”.

Also to speak “ex tempore” means to speak without notes;  off the cuff.

In a musical performance “to play by improvisation”.

(ii) Adjective

extemporaneous; impromptu

Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., Research Professor, University of New Mexico

 LATIN BLOG #9 includes the terms “ad valorem”, “ad infinitum” and “ad lib”:

1. Ad Valorem (adverb)

A term that refers to the proportion of the estimated value of the goods taxed.  For example,  “the goods were taxed ad valorem”, meaning that the goods were taxed in proportion to their estimated tax value.

2. Ad Infinitum (adverb or adjective)

Without an end or limit. For ever.  For example,  “he spoke at infinitum about the virtues of his son”, or “she talked on and on ad infinitum”!

3. Ad Lib

Noun:  Something improvised in speech, music, etc. For example,  “John, was that talk an ad lib or did you use a prepared script”?

Verb:  To ad lib.  To improvise all or part of a speech, a piece of music, etc. To act or speak without preparation.  For example,  “to ad-lib one’s lines”.

Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., Research Professor, University of New Mexico

LATIN BLOG 8: Understanding Latin Phrases Used in Everyday Language

Andrew Yiannakis,  Ph.D.
Research Professor
University of New Mexico

In this series of blogs I shall be covering over thirty Latin phrases that are used in everyday language.

LATIN BLOG 8 includes the terms:

i. SPQR
ii. Q.E.D.
iii. Mens Sana in Corpore Sano

1. SPQR (abbreviation)

Latin origin: Senatus Populusque Romanus,  which translates as:   “The Senate and the people of Rome”. Thus,  SPQR was used to reinforce the notion that the Senate and the people of Rome were members of the new Republic,  which was formed circa 80 BC.

2. Q.E.D.

Q.E.D. is an abbreviaton for “Quod Erat Demonstrandum”, which means “what was to be demonstrated”. Typically used as a term to indicate the completion of a mathematical problem,  or proof.

3. Mens Sana In Corpore Sano

This phrase is often quoted to support the proposition of “a healthy mind in a healthy body”. However,  the full quote suggests a slightly different meaning as in:  “Orandum Est Ut Sit Mens Sana in Corpore Sano”.  The whole quote translates as:  “It is to be hoped (or prayed)  that there is a healthy mind in a healthy body”, implying that a healthy body isn’t always associated with a healthy mind! However,  the notion of having a healthy mind and a healthy body are goals worth striving for.

LATIN BLOG 7: Understanding Latin Phrases Used in Everyday Language

Andrew Yiannakis,  Ph.D.
Research Professor
University of New Mexico

In this series of blogs I shall be covering over thirty Latin phrases that are used in everyday language.

LATIN BLOG 7 includes the terms:

i. Prima Facie
ii.  Pro Rata
iii.  Per Se

1. PRIMA  FACIE

True, valid, or sufficient at first look,  or first impression;  self evident at first glance.

In law,  the prima facie evidence is legally sufficient to establish a fact or a case,  until it’s disproved.

Examples
A prima facie case of tax fraud,  meaning that the initial evidence is indicative of possible tax fraud.  However,  it may still need to be proven with more robust evidence.

2. PRO RATA (adjective)

According to a certain rate. Proportionately determined.

Example:  A pro-rata share of the income.
That is,  a share of the income that’s based on a certain rate.

3. PER SE

By, of, for, in itself, as such.

Example:   This candidate is not a pacifist per se, but he is in favor of peaceful solutions when available.

LATIN BLOG 6: Understanding Latin Phrases Used in Everyday Language

Andrew Yiannakis,  Ph.D.
Research Professor

University of New Mexico

In this series of blogs I shall be covering over thirty Latin phrases that are used in everyday language.

LATIN BLOG 6 includes the terms:

i. Ipso facto
ii. e.g. and i.e.
iii. In loco parentis

1.  IPSO FACTO (adverb)

Because of that very fact,  or act: because of the fact that has just been mentioned; by the fact itself.

Example:
The enemy of my enemy may be,  ipso facto,  my friend.

2.  e.g. and i.e.

e.g. =Abbreviation meaning “for example”.

Example: Products imported from many countries, e.g., France, Germany and England,  may be subject to additional taxes.

Origin: Latin “exempli gratia”.

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i.e. =Abbreviation meaning “that is”.

Example:  Allegations of a rigged election,  i.e., voter fraud,  have been greatly exaggerated.

Origin:  Latin “id est”.

iii.  IN LOCO PARENTIS (adverb)

In the place or role of a parent.

Example: School officials are often expected to act “in loco parentis”.